University News

'Hansel and Gretel' Comes to WIU May 4-5

April 16, 2018

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University's School of Music Opera Theatre​ (WIUOT) will present the opera "Hansel and Gretel" at 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday May 4-5 ​in Hainline Theatre.
 
"​Hansel and Gretel"​ resonates with both adults and children and has become one of the most successful fairy-tale operas ever created. The composer, Engelbert Humperdinck, was a protégé of Richard Wagner. The opera's score is flavored with the sophisticated musical lessons he learned from his idol, while maintaining a charm and a light touch that were entirely Humperdinck's own. The opera acknowledges the darker features present in the Brothers Grimm version of the familiar folk tale, yet presents them within a frame of grace and humor. 

"WIU Opera Theatre students are very excited to share their work with our audience," said WIU Professor and WIUOT director Ricardo Sepúlveda. "​Learning and performing an operatic role are time consuming, and present many challenges for a developing young artist. I am very proud and thankful for the opportunity to work with them in this masterpiece, along with Mtro. Richard Hughey, and Dr. Liang-Yu Wang, our rehearsal accompanist. It must also be noted that The WIU Department of Theatre and Dance has graciously provided support throughout this production process. I am particularly in debt to Heidi Clemmens (choreography) and Ethan Ivey (chorus master, Edison School) for their generous investment in making this a successful experience to all."
 
The opera has three acts by Humperdinck, with libretto by Adelheid Wette. It will be sung in English, with supertitles. ​
 
Tickets are $15 for the public, $12 for seniors, WIU employees, and youth. Tickets for WIU students are free with valid student identification. To purchase a ticket, visit the Hainline Theater Box Office or call (309) 298-2900.

​More information about this event and about WIU Opera Theatre is available at facebook.com/WIUOpera/.

Posted By: Erika D Davis (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing